Nearly 50% of those taking part in the survey said that their careers advice wasn’t up to scratch. Of those apprentices in placements, only 20% received careers advice and 50% of students at university weren’t told about the apprenticeship pathway.

NUS president Toni Pearce said: “Education has changed, and the old route that ends with a three year full time undergraduate degree no longer needs to be norm. The lack of proper careers advice about the available study options and pathways to work is failing young people. Students need the information and tools to thrive, whatever their learning journey. We need a no holds barred review of information, advice and guidance to ensure it is fit for purpose, fit for the twenty-first century and fit the realities of students’ lives.”